EU's Nature Restoration Law pushes ahead 

The European Union moved forward with a groundbreaking law aimed at restoring nature and combating biodiversity loss. The legislation sets ambitious targets for restoring damaged ecosystems, protecting vulnerable species.

The law now moves to the parliament's environment committee for negotiations on potential regulations. 

Chicago debuts Green New Deal proposal

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled a blueprint Chicago's "Green New Deal," aiming to tackle climate change and advance environmental justice.

The report from his transition team outlines ambitious goals, including moving to 100% clean, renewable energy, providing equitable access to green jobs and addressing racial and economic disparities exacerbated by climate change.

Funding bump for plugging orphan wells

The Biden administration allocated $660 million in funds to address orphan oil and gas wells in the U.S., which pose environmental and safety risks. The initiative will create jobs, reduce methane emissions and benefit the overall health of communities affected by the abandoned wells.

At least 14 million people in the U.S. live near an abandoned, polluting oil and gas well.

EPA seeks to eliminate lead paint

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new rule to eliminate lead paint from buildings and homes. The rule would protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure, which can lead to developmental issues and other health problems.

Roughly 31 million homes built before 1978 in the U.S. still have lead paint.